/Unitedbank
/Eedition

Welcome to Slumburbia

Posted by
Andrew Odom
in Opinions
Thursday, February 11. 2010
Comments (4)
It is unfortunate but it is true. A cruise down College Drive or a pass of 341 North as well as some Lamar extension, planned communities sit empty, sewage and power lines sticking up from the ground with the haunting allure of a headstone at Greenwood Cemetery.

As with much of the United States tile-roofed versions of a 21st century ghost town remind us of the gambling losses that took place not on the blackjack tables of Vegas but the board tables of America's financial institutions.

Please login or register to read the rest of this story.
Bookmark and Share
Trackbacks
Trackback specific URI for this entry
No Trackbacks
Comments
Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)
#1 DMG on 02/11/10 at 12:47 PM
Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed. --Albert Einstein

This quote fits the issue nicely. Stupidity for the individuals that thought they could buy a $500,000 home on a $30,000 income and not see that the balloon would eventually burst. I, along with many others are in the grips of fear as we feel the impact of the present economy and loss of employment. GREED is the fuel to the flame that drove those who monopolize in a charlatan fashion upon the American Dream. The “Hope & Change” we were promised by our leadership, has bailed out the very people who are to responsible for this financial fiasco.
We will not see a solution to this problem in the near future. I say this as I turn the page of our newspaper and see that the public notifications of foreclosure still take up three pages of the classifieds.
#2 Anonymous on 02/11/10 at 04:48 PM
The American Dream is over for a good while. Modern Days spenders need to heed the advise of the older "greatest generation" and don't buy anyhting unles you adsolutely need it and know how you are going to pay for it. There are no free lunches regardless of what Obama tells you. No more graduations new cars for kids. No new houses on adjustable mortgages. Ad infintim.
#3 Shadowhawk on 02/11/10 at 08:58 PM
Very true, well said.
#4 Danny Blount on 02/12/10 at 07:32 AM
I have to disagree. The American Dream is alive and well; and for those of us who follow the rules of 'the Greatest Generation' it is a proven method of continued success. The banks didn't give anything without being asked for it. Our society is built on personal liberties, not corporate responsibility. We can blame the banks, the government, our parents, whatever 'out' you want to pick. But, the truth is, it comes down to personal accountability. If you borrow it, you pay it back. There are banks who have had record breaking years in 2008 and 2009 (in a good way); maybe because they required 10% down on mortgages which excluded those who couldn't afford the property in the first place. The rules of borrowing may have changed, but if you save your money instead of spending it, you still have money. How is it that we blame the banks for this 'mess' when it is the people that applied for the loans? Companies just do what they do to make money. No one wants to face the mirror and say "I made a mistake, it was me". I've been there, and I know it's not easy - but it is a mistake of our own making when we spend and do not save.

Obama is no more socialist than FDR. I wouldn't vote for either, but you have to admit both inherited a big mess. Sometimes social programs are the only way to work out of a dismal situation that we 'the people' make. I'm not saying I like it, and I'd rather keep my money I made in 2009 and not have to give the 28% back on April 15 - but, if it's going to pick up the economy and make 2010 that much better, so be it. Take my 28% and build something better.

I love the American Dream - and wake up every day basking in the greatness of a place where I can grow and prosper, pray and be forgiven; furthermore, to raise my children in a place where they can use their individual liberties to do the same. It is truly a wonderful thing, personal responsibility.
Only registered users may comment on stories. Please login or register to post comments. Your browser must support cookies.
The author does not allow comments to this entry
Copyright © 2008-2012 The Pike County Journal-Reporter